World media hail Spain as La Roja emerge favourites after 0-2 win over France | OneFootball

Spain's 0-2 win over France in the first World Cup semi-final drew global acclaim. Coverage hails Luis de la Fuente's team, now one step from a second star, and casts them as leading favourites.

L'Équipe led with a headline calling it a disaster in Dallas, noting the defeat ended hopes of a third straight World Cup final. It rated Didier Deschamps two, as were Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, and gave Kylian Mbappé three out of 10.

Le Monde called France's display unworthy, Le Figaro a total collapse, and Le Parisien the biggest disappointment. Deschamps' complaints about the referee found little support, amid agreement that Spain were far superior and his cycle will not end as hoped.

In the United Kingdom, the winner would face England if they overcome Wednesday's second semi-final against holders Argentina and Leo Messi. The Guardian praised Spain's cohesion, tactical clarity and control with and without the ball, calling the result emphatic. It highlighted midfield dominance as decisive and suggested the European champions head to the final in their best tournament form.

In the United States, The Washington Post and The Athletic highlighted Spain's authority and presented La Roja as leading contenders. They underlined the team's personality, control of possession and the competitive maturity of a group aiming to build on their Euro triumph.

Admiration has been echoed across Italy, Portugal, Germany, Argentina and Brazil, citing Spain's dominance, their neutralising of Mbappé and Dembélé, and the collective level sustained throughout the tournament.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo